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Is the Virgin Islands under threat from Mpox? Are we ready?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox virus a global emergency. Photo: WHO
Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) for comment who directed our news centre to Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges. Photo: File
Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) for comment who directed our news centre to Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges. Photo: File
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges, has promised to release a statement to VINO on the Monkeypox virus and the Virgin Islands’ readiness. Photo: GIS/File
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges, has promised to release a statement to VINO on the Monkeypox virus and the Virgin Islands’ readiness. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020 that killed millions around the world, including over 30 persons in the Virgin Islands (VI), and devastated the global economy, the world is facing yet another global health emergency.

This time it is Monkeypox (Mpox) caused by the monkeypox virus.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus a global emergency. Mpox is an infectious disease and the virus' new strain is spreading. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and low energy. For many people, the first symptom of Mpox is a rash.

The WHO said Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.

Mpox not new but new strain dangerous

While the Mpox virus is not new as it has been around since 2022, especially in the USA, it has started to spread with a highly contagious and severe strain after a major outbreak in central Africa. The surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a few other African countries has the health community concerned.

Additionally, Swedish officials said they have recorded their first case of the Mpox virus. While the new strain has not reached the USA or the VI, the question is what is being done on the home front.

Thus far according to the WHO in Central Africa, there have been some 17,000 plus infections with over 500 deaths in Congo.

VI Preparedness?

There is also a Mpox vaccine but it is unclear if the VI has any.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) for comment who directed our news centre to Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges.

When contacted, Dr. Georges informed he was engaged in a personal medical matter but promised to release a statement to VINO later.

11 Responses to “Is the Virgin Islands under threat from Mpox? Are we ready?”

  • Career (22/08/2024, 10:08) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Vaccine again..
  • Career (22/08/2024, 10:21) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
    Help us, Lord. I will take the vaccine. I see what COVID had done to those world.
  • It's on! (22/08/2024, 10:37) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Here we go again.... ????
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (22/08/2024, 12:45) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why worry? The Topic Issue are two questions asked. Yes, we should be on the alert just in case, but there are no reason to worry at this time without evidence.
    Normally before any serious outbreak get to our shore (the BVI) we will hear of reports in many other countries in this world.

    Be calm, please. Some Topic Issue reports are geared to draw our attention from more pressing issues at hand (with reach), but I do hope not tis one.
  • jack@$$ (22/08/2024, 13:31) Like (3) Dislike (24) Reply
    LOL you won't have to take any vaccine, you can live with that is you want to but who do you expect to come around you?
    Vaccines are made to prevent the spread of avoidable conditions but there no vaccine for idiocracy.
  • 2024 (22/08/2024, 13:58) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Entertainment gets priority Over Health Care
  • Anonymous (22/08/2024, 18:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    No we are not ready
  • Timing (22/08/2024, 19:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Damned if you do damned if you dont. Pick your poison.
  • Wellsah (22/08/2024, 21:23) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doing too much. we didn’t need to see that picture
  • Doll (26/08/2024, 17:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I heard there's already one case in the French West Indies, that island close to Dominica. Dr Georges, please make the necessary calls and put measures in place because PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!


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